NATO takes sole control of Libya air operations

RUSSELS: NATO assumes command of all air operations in Libya Thursday morning, the support of the United States, who were eager to get rid of this responsibility.

Secretary General, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the transition was completed at 0600GMT (2 pm EDT) Thursday, giving NATO the sole responsibility for all air and naval operations in the region.

NATO now commands the international force that was bombed forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. A rebellion against the domination of 42 years Gaddafi erupted last month, and international forces, including U.S., France and Great Britain occurred on March 19, just as it appeared Gaddafi was on the verge crush the rebellion.

The NATO operation - codenamed unified protection - includes the application of a Security Council resolution imposing an arms embargo on Libya, the enforcement of a no-fly zone and Protection of civilians by troops from Gaddafi.

"In accordance with the mandate ... the focus of NATO is to protect civilians and civilian populated areas against the threat of an attack," Fogh Rasmussen said in a statement.

The operation will be commanded by Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard's operational center of NATO in Naples, Italy. There was no word on the number of aircraft and military personnel would be involved, but officials say dozens of fighters, fighter-bombers, refueling tankers, AWACS surveillance planes, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters for search and rescue will probably be necessary for the operation.

They will be based on a series of NATO bases along the Mediterranean, including Italy, France, Greece and Turkey.

"The transfer of authority over the assets of the air is now complete," spokesman for NATO's Oana Lungescu said. "Everything that was offered to us has been given.

"NATO is the only issue operational orders to the international effort," she added.